ANGRY? TELL YOUR STORY OF HOPE!

WHAT ARE YOU TELLING THE WORLD? News events moved so rapidly this week—from threats of global nuclear war to deaths sparked by violent right-wing activists in Charlottesville, Virginia. We know that many of our readers look to ReadTheSpirit magazine for hope each week. And, our staff feels the same way: We look to you, our community of readers, to share those stories with us. On Sunday morning, Editor David Crumm was struck by the passionate preaching of the staff at Clarkston United Methodist Church in Michigan. Perhaps words from that service may help you, too.

HOLIDAYS!

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI—Hindus around the world celebrate Krishna’s birthday, also known as Janmashtami. In Stephanie Fenton’s column, she explains: “An observance that lasts eight days in some regions, Krishna Janmashtami honors the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.”

PARYSHAN PARVA—Forgiveness plays a central role in many world religions, but for Jains, it’s the focus of the most important festival each year. This spiritually intense period is known as Paryushan Parva, or Paryushana.

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FAITH & FILM

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

COVER STORY—The publishing arm of one of America’s oldest Protestant denominations is producing exciting new books that range from an angry, prophetic call to action over racism and injustice—to a warm-hearted embrace of young families trying to help children discover the spiritual wonders in daily life. And, a word of warning: A few of the new books from Chalice Press may seem downright dangerous if you carry them around in traditionalist congregations.

In our overview of this remarkable publishing house, we explain the compelling vision behind these books—and why that vision is making the world a better place. At ReadTheSpirit, we find that Chalice’s mission echoes a kindred spirit—and we quote from those inspiring principles. This week, you’re likely to find a couple of books you’ll want to order—plus there’s a link to a special sale. So, please, read our new Cover Story about Chalice Press and share this news with your friends.

RESPONDING TO TRUMP—In the middle of Stakes Is High, a short chapter zeroes in on the challenge of preaching truth in the Trump era, when entrenched camps of Americans now argue there are multiple, conflicting truths. These confrontations over truth have accompanied a dangerous rise in “hate speech” nationwide, studies are showing. One of our most popular ReadTheSpirit authors, Michigan State University’s Joe Grimm, just published a magazine story about the impact of this ideological chasm on two American newspapers. His story is headlined: Newspaper Wars in a Trump World.

‘NEVER LONG ENOUGH’

THE RABBI & THE ARTIST—Many of our readers are talking about the unique new picture book about the end of life, called Never Long Enough. (Here is an earlier story introducing the book and the creators: Rabbi Joseph H. Krakoff and artist Dr. Michelle Y. Sider.) This week, you can listen to the rabbi and the artist via streaming radio. Michelle and Joseph will be on “Grief Chat” with Mitchell D. Carmody, via KDMA AM Radio (based in Minnesota). You can listen to the hour-long conversation via http://kdwa.com/listen/ It is on Tuesday, August 8th, from 11 a.m. to Noon CST. (Check your time zone—it’s streaming Noon to 1 p.m. EST).

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI—Hindus around the world celebrate Krishna’s birthday, also known as Janmashtami. In Stephanie Fenton’s column, she explains: “An observance that lasts eight days in some regions, Krishna Janmashtami honors the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.”

FAITH & FILM

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

HE ASKS: WHAT’S YOUR ‘RIOT’?

FOR ‘ORDINARY’ PEOPLE—This week, meet Justin Dillon who describes himself as first and foremost “ordinary”—in making his case that each of us has the capacity to change the world in these troubling times. Justin has become one of the world’s leading activists in combatting modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

Reading his new memoir of that global journey is like enjoying a cup of coffee with Justin—a rare and inspiring opportunity. Like a good friend, Justin tells us exciting stories while encouraging each of us to change the world for the better. He says, “I want people to know: There’s something inside of every one of us that wants to come out and it’s the way each of us can change the world.”

ONE FAMILY’S STORY

GOD SIGNS—Our columnist Suzy Farbman concludes her three-part series about the remarkable adventures of Karen and Gil Raff—as they crisscross the country and connect in friendship and love. Part 3 is especially timely in this week featuring Justin Dillon as our Cover Story, because the Raff family also has found that values of service do indeed spread from one life to another. Just take a look at their family portrait that opens this final part of the series.

FAITH & FILM

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

A FEW CLICKS—A GOOD DEEDOur publishing house is proud to announce that, in September, we will publish the inspiring memoir of Jeanine Patten-Coble, a visionary cancer survivor whose passion is helping families face cancer all across America. Because her work already has renewed and strengthened the lives of thousands of men, women and children—the CNN-network just named her a HERO for the coming year. A short CNN video version of Jeanine’s story airs nationwide this week. Perhaps you’ve already seen it—if not, we have a link below.

What’s her story? In a nutshell: Even as she was stunned by a diagnosis of breast cancer, Jeanine had a vision of helping families facing the same crisis. She founded a national nonprofit that provides week-long retreats to strengthen families struggling to come to terms with this life-and-death challenge.

CNN is inviting all of us to help spread awareness of this innovative program. Here’s how you can help! Your “good deed” is only a few mouse-clicks away …

VISIT THE MAIN WEBSITE—Want to learn more? Visit the main Little Pink website. The website has lots of inspiring updates. With just a few mouse-clicks, you can share this news with friends—and help in this campaign to raise awareness.

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NEWS ON‘CHANGING OUR MIND’

RESPONSES TO DR. GUSHEE—Regular readers of our online magazine know that Christian ethicist Dr. David Gushee has become a leading national advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in congregations—through several ever-expanding editions of his book: Changing Our Mind. The newest “Definitive Edition” also includes a free Discussion Guide by Disciples of Christ theologian, pastor and columnist Bob Cornwall (Care to learn more about Cornwall’s work? Check out his columns at this website.)

Over the past week, we were impressed by a thoughtful review of Gushee’s Definitive Edition by Mennonite scholar Ted Grimsrud. He is Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. His review of Gushee’s book is headlined, Can an evangelical support gay marriage and remain an evangelical?

The debate is far from over! We also were impressed with a rebuke of the ferocious evangelicals who went after Eugene Peterson—in an online column written by author and activist Alise D. Chaffins for HuffPost. Alise makes her case in a column headlined, Evangelicals, you’re the ones choosing sin.

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GOD SIGNS LOVE STORY

SUZY FARBMANbrings us inspiring real-life stories, each week. This month, she is bringing us a multi-part love story about the adventures of a young nurse from Kentucky: Karen Raff. In Part 2, this week, Karen continues her cross-country wanderings. (If you missed last week, there’s also an easy-to-click link back to Part 1 in this new column.)

FAITH & FILM

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON SCRIPTURE

LEARN MORE—Our Cover Story this week is an overview of a masterful new series of Bible translations from Willis Barnstone, collected in a single volume. Over many decades, Barnstone’s creative renderings have brought Latin American literature to English-speaking audiences (including the poetry of Borges) and books of the Bible—as well as ancient texts often described as “gnostic.” In this new book Poets of the Bible, Barnstone offers his version of great stories from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament—and some gnostic works as well. Please, read our story, because you may find this is a perfect gift for a Bible-lover on your shopping list.

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NEWPEACEMAKING
PARTNERSHIP

BUTTRYS EXPAND WORK—Our ReadTheSpirit team is celebrating with Daniel and Sharon Buttry in their newly announced partnership with the century-old Central Seminary in Kansas. This week, the Buttrys and the seminary staff posted this news story about plans for this collaborative work. ReadTheSpirit online magazine—and our related publishing house—have been collaborating with Daniel Buttry for many years. We publish four of his books about international, cross-cultural peacemaking. Here is Dan’s author page, where you can learn more about him and find links to all four books. Central Seminary is part of the Buttrys’ American Baptist Churches USA, a denomination with a long history of encouraging and supporting diversity.

FAITH & FILM

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work freely published at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

BEATRIZ AT DINNER—Ed writes, “The film’s fish-out-of-water story shines a spotlight on the darker side of American business practices and the sometimes-disastrous ways that they affect those with no power.” He urges us not to miss it. (5 stars)

CONVERSATION IS KEY TO OVERCOMING ANXIETY

MEET RABBI KRAKOFF—This rabbi is an expert in end-of-life conversations, but his wisdom about talking with family members has far broader implications in this time of global anxiety. Rabbi Joseph Krakoff and educator-illustrator Michelle Sider created the beautifully illustrated new book Never Long Enough as a way for families to talk with loved ones approaching the end of life. Or, the book can be opened after the passing of a loved one—to recall the richness of the person’s life.

We think the book has even broader appeal—as a collection of intriguing illustrations and poetic prompts to spark conversation about the goodness and enduring richness of life. And, honestly, can’t we all use more of that right now?

‘CULTURE OF RECIPROCITY’

DR. WAYNE BAKER—Since the founding of ReadTheSpirit, the all-time most popular writer in our ever-expanding circle of writers is the University of Michigan sociologist Dr. Wayne Baker, who is an internationally known specialist in values and related issues like “reciprocity” at UofM’s Ross School of Business. Along with his wife Cheryl Baker, CEO of Humax, the Bakers developed a widely used method of teaching groups to build a culture of reciprocity—using a tool they call the Reciprocity Ring.

HOLIDAYS!

OBON—This international celebration has roots in Japanese culture, Buddhism and Confucianism as well, honoring ancestors as families and friends come together to perform traditional dances and light lanterns. Because of varying interpretations of the calendar, Obon festivals may be scheduled in July, although the peak of the observance in Japan is in mid August. Stephanie Fenton has the story—including links to inexpensive Do-It-Yourself lanterns.

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FAITH & FILM

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work freely published at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

RELIGIOUS CALL TO ACTION

FAITH & HEALTH CONNECTION—Our online magazine has been publishing columns and books about faith and health for a decade—but, still, this deep connection between religion and our physical wellbeing surprises many Americans. Right now, as July begins, religious leaders across the whole spectrum of faith traditions are issuing strongly worded calls to action about the future of healthcare in America. This week’s cover story shows you—at a glance—some of the prominent headlines from Protestants, Catholics, Jews and a host of other religious leaders. Our story also introduces you to one of the major scholars exploring this connection: Dr. Harold Koenig. Please, read this Cover Story and share it with friends.

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FAITH & FILM

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work freely published at VisualParables.org. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with complete study guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Now available: Scholarly response to critics and Reformation Project speech! HEADLINE NEWS! This historic book is touching lives nationwide. You’ll find the most important news stories right here. In Changing Our Mind, David P. Gushee invites readers along his journey as he changes his mind about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender inclusion in the Church. In the third, […]

100 Questions and Answers About Immigrants to the U.S. is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence. This guide has sections on identity, language, religion, culture, customs, social norms, economics, politics, education, work, families and food. The guide is written for those who want quick answers to basic, introductory […]

God-Incidents: Real Life Stories to Strengthen and Restore Your Faith by Rev. Dr. Glenn M. Wagner invites persons who are struggling with belief to reconsider God. Wagner offers honesty, empathy, and inspiration from four decades of global pastoral experience. He shares many different ways that God is made known so that persons who doubt God […]

“To My Professor: Student Voices for Great College Teaching” begins with remarks by students about their professors. They tend not to be the kind of remarks that professors usually hear, and some are harsh. Others are full of gratitude for teachers who inspire and motivate. The “To My Professor” statements are really just starting points […]

The Bib to Backpack Learning Series is a collection of books about innovative nonprofit programs for early childhood education that face cross-cultural challenges, including immigrant families learning English for the first time. This book invites readers into ACCESS to School, a program developed in recent years using principles of parent and child interactive learning to […]

Education Begins at Home We are a nation of immigrants. For hundreds of years, our families have contributed to American culture. In these pages, you will read about an innovative program sponsored by Southwest Solutions in Detroit, Michigan, that teaches Hispanic-immigrant parents English while these parents also are ensuring their children’s success at school. Over […]

100 Questions and Answers About African Americans” is part of the Michigan State University School of Journalism series on cultural competence. This guide has sections on identity, language, religion, culture, customs, social norms, economics, politics, education, work, families and food. The guide is written for those who want quick answers to basic, introductory questions abut […]